Our mission is simple.

We treat others the way we want to be treated. This applies not only to our employees, but also to each patient and family we serve.

Hospice Care

Hospice is an approach to care for people experiencing a life-limiting illness. It offers comprehensive services that address the physical, spiritual, social and emotional needs and preferences of the patient and family. Hospice affirms life and emphasizes quality rather than quantity of life.

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Home Care

Abode provides the highest quality of health care within the home, allowing our patients and their families to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment. Whether the focus is rehabilitation, recovery from acute illness, chronic disease management, or end of life care, Abode's thoughtful and highly-skilled professionals deliver appropriate, carefully-planned, and personalized services at home.

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Abode Advantage

Our mission is simple. We treat others the way we want to be treated. We do the right thing, always, even when no one is looking. You can relax knowing an ethical team of experts is caring for your loved one.

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87%: of Abode employees say they have the opportunity to do what they do best every day.

96%: of our patients recommend us to others.

97%: of our patients and family rate our care as excellent.

Why Abode Healthcare?

Professional Passion: We employ caretakers who love their jobs. 87% of Abode Employees feel their profession is important and aligns with the company's mission. Our retention rate is 15% greater than our competitors. Our employees love working here, and it translates into better care for our patients.

Specialty Programs: We realize that managing the care of our patients involves delivering specialized programs and services in a thoughtful and consistent manner by a skilled multidisciplinary team. Some of our Specialty Programs include: CHF, COPD, Sepsis, Dementia, Orthopedics, Spine, and Stroke.

Hospice: We see our patients more frequently than most hospice companies. We see our patients 22 times a month. Medicare requires one nursing visit every 14 days (or 2-3 times a month). We see patients 22 times or more. Each visit schedule is customized with patient, family and physician input.

Home Health: Patients who use Abode Home Health Services can feel confident knowing that we provide exceptional care in the comfort of their own home. We equip our patients and caregivers to manage healthcare regimes, while reducing emergent enhancing quality of life.

Newsroom

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: What It Is and What To Do

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: What It Is and What To Do A leading cause of death in the United States, sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of more than 356,000 people each year. This includes 23,000 youth under the age of 18. It is a life-threatening health emergency in which the heart suddenly stops beating, and it can occur in people of any age, including those who appear to be otherwise in good health. When a person goes into cardiac arrest, they collapse and do not respond or breathe normally. They may also gasp or shake, similarly to a seizure. It is critical that the person gets help immediately, as it can lead to death within minutes. With October being Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, we want to help raise awareness and explain what it is and what you can do when someone experiences this medical emergency. What is sudden cardiac arrest? As previously mentioned, sudden cardiac arrest is a health emergency in which the heart suddenly stops beating. It is life-threatening, and survival depends on people nearby calling 911, as well as starting CPR and using an AED (if available) as soon as possible. An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a portable, electronic device that is used to help someone who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It analyzes the heart’s rhythm and can deliver an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Is it the same as a heart attack? Sudden cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. A heart attack is a blockage in coronary arteries that interrupts blood flow to the heart. The website stopcardiacarrest.org does a great job of explaining the differences between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. It describes sudden cardiac arrest as being electrical and a heart attack as being plumbing. To summarize the differences between the two, someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest is unresponsive and not breathing, and they may gasp or shake. It can happen to anyone of any age, and people nearby must start CPR immediately to increase the likelihood of survival. In contrast, someone experiencing a heart attack may experience pain in their chest, neck, or left arm. They may also experience shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. A heart attack most often occurs in people over the age of 65, and responsive victims do not need CPR. However, you should call 911 for someone experiencing either. What should I do? Cardiac arrest happens suddenly so it’s important that you know what to do so you can act quickly if you are nearby when it occurs. So what do you do when someone is suddenly unresponsive and breathing abnormally or gasping for air? According to the American Heart Association, here is what you should do: Ensure the scene is safe. Check for a response. Sudden cardiac arrest victims do not respond when you tap them or ask if they are ok. Shout for help. If someone is nearby, tell them to call 911 and bring an AED as quickly as possible (if one is available). If you are alone, call 911 and find an AED (if one is available). Check to see if they are breathing. Abnormal breathing or only gasping for air is a sign of cardiac arrest. Start CPR. If the person is not breathing or is gasping for air, begin CPR right away. Push down at least two inches in the center of their chest at a rate of 100 to 120 pushes a minute. Allow the chest to come back up to its normal position after each push. Use an AED. Anyone can use an AED. Turn it on as soon as it arrives and follow the prompts. Continue CPR. Continue to administer CPR until the person begins to breathe or until someone with more advanced training arrives to take over.

What Hispanic Heritage Means to Me

What Hispanic Heritage Means to Me As the end of National Hispanic Heritage Month grows near, we are shining a spotlight on Director of Business Development, Nereida. We asked Nereida what Hispanic heritage means to her. Thank you, Nereida, for sharing your story with us! Nereida’s Story Hispanic/Latin/LatinX heritage and culture, to me, means family. I was raised with a large, loving family. Food, music, and family created a sense of warmth, love, and good times. At the center of it all, our matriarch, my Abuela Juana. She moved to the United States from Puerto Rico in the 60’s. She was always in the service of others. From being a social worker to a home health aide, she was love, selflessness, and caregiving exemplified. I became a nurse because of her. After her stroke, I experienced first-hand the weight of not having advance care planning in place. 9 children, 46 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren had to come together to make decisions on her behalf. After a long illness, she needed hospice. Seeing how hospice allowed us to be family and experiencing that gift, I was drawn to hospice after 19 years of nursing. My passion, drive, advocacy, and love for hospice is fueled by the love for and from my Abuela. I am honored to carry on her legacy in the service of others while assisting people and families at a pivotal moment in their lives.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States, second only to skin cancer. It’s a disease in which the cells in the breast grow out of control. There are several types of breast cancer, but there are two that are most common. Invasive ductal carcinoma is when the cancer cells begin in the ducts and then grow outside them into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive lobular carcinoma is when the cancer cells begin in the lobules and then spread from there to the breast tissues that are close by. It is possible for both of these invasive cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of Breast Cancer Symptoms of breast cancer can vary from patient to patient, and some may not experience any at all. However, some common symptoms one may experience are: Any change in the size or shape of the breast Pain in the breast Discharge from the nipple (other than breastmilk), including blood A new lump in the breast or underarm If you have concerns about any symptoms you are experiencing, see your doctor right away. Risk Factors for Breast Cancer There are several factors that can put a person at higher risk for developing breast cancer. Some are beyond our control, while others we can change. One of the main factors that puts a person at risk for breast cancer is being a woman. Although men can get breast cancer, women are at higher risk. Risk Factors Beyond Our Control Getting older. As we get older, the risk for breast cancer increases. Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50. Genetic mutations. Inherited changes to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes put a woman at higher risk. Having dense breasts. Women with dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue. This can make it more difficult to see tumors on a mammogram. Family history of breast or ovarian cancer. A woman’s risk increases if she has a first-degree relative on either side of her family who has had breast or ovarian cancer. How to Lower Your Risk for Breast Cancer Exercise regularly. The risk for breast cancer is higher for women who are not physically active. Exercising regularly can help lower your risk. Maintain a healthy weight after menopause. The risk is higher for women who are overweight or obese after menopause. Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower your risk. Avoid taking certain hormones. Certain forms of hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills have been linked to a higher risk for breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks if you are taking either of these. Breastfeed your children, if possible. Breastfeeding your children can help to decrease your risk for breast cancer. Avoid or limit alcohol intake. Studies show the more alcohol a woman drinks, the higher her risk for breast cancer. Avoiding or limiting your alcohol intake can help reduce your risk. Hospice Care for Breast Cancer Patients If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and curative treatment is no longer an option, hospice may be right for you. Please contact us to learn more about how the Abode Hospice team can help.

National Primary Care Week: The Importance of a PCP

National Primary Care Week: The Importance of a PCP We do our best to stay healthy by making nutritious food choices and exercising regularly but getting a little help from the experts is another important step to take. It goes beyond just going to the doctor when you are sick. It’s important to have a healthcare team that also takes a proactive approach to help keep you healthy. This is where a primary care physician comes in. A primary care physician (PCP) is a general practitioner who provides their patients with continuous medical care. They are trained to treat a wide variety of health-related problems, and they often serve as your first contact in the health system when you have a question or concern. You may contact your PCP for: Preventative care Treatment of common illnesses Early detection of illnesses or conditions Management of chronic conditions A referral to a medical specialist Benefits of Having a Primary Care Physician Aside from the points mentioned above, there are additional benefits to having regularly scheduled visits with your PCP. One example would be that you have a healthcare professional who knows the ins and outs of your overall health. This can be beneficial if you need to go to a specialist. They can not only refer you to one, but they can help you to communicate important information to the specialist to ensure you receive the best care possible. When you see your PCP regularly, you develop a level of comfort with them. This can help you feel at ease when discussing difficult topics related to your health. You also come to trust their opinion, so it makes you feel more confident when making health decisions. The Role of Primary Care Physicians in Hospice It’s a common misconception that a primary care physician is no longer involved once a patient elects hospice care. However, this is not true. Most hospice organizations encourage the PCP to remain involved in the patient’s care. Why PCP Involvement in Hospice is Beneficial PCPs are typically the ones who have the best knowledge of the patient’s overall health. Oftentimes, they have been caring for the patient for an extended period, so they understand the patient’s health history and what may have led them to their current state. When a PCP remains involved during hospice care, they can offer reassurance and support to the patient and their family during a difficult time. When a patient has been with a physician for a long time, they develop a level of comfort with them. Sometimes they just need a familiar face to explain things to them to make them feel at ease. This also works the other way. The PCP can offer clear communication to the hospice provider when a patient may not be able to. Choosing a Primary Care Physician You’ve decided to schedule regular visits with a PCP, but how do you choose the right one for you? For some people, it’s as simple as finding a doctor whose office is close to home. However, for some, there’s a lot more to consider. You want someone who you “mesh” with – someone you feel comfortable with. It’s also important to find someone who communicates clearly and effectively. When it comes to your health, there’s no room for miscommunication. Many hospital systems have online ‘find a doctor’ tools where you can search for a specialty and location. Some allow you to filter based on various criteria such as if they are accepting new patients or if they have extended hours. This will allow you to narrow down your search based on what is important to you. Reading reviews is also a great way to help you choose. They give you an opportunity to learn more about the physician directly from other patients. Once you’ve made your selection, make an appointment. Just because you see them once, doesn’t mean you can’t explore other options. Maybe you liked the front office staff and nurses, but just didn’t jive with the doctor. Next time, try a different doctor in that practice. Find the doctor who is the best fit for you. It will make it that much easier to stick to scheduling to regular appointments.